Fatface have come a long way in 30 years. It’s been quite a journey – travelling from mountains to beaches, and from coastal towns to big cities.

For me they have long been one of my go-to brands; whether I am heading to Cornwall, beach-bound or heading off for that long-awaited holiday.  It would seem this year is no different when it comes to them nailing effortless summer-style.  There’s a serious selection of summer essentials and swimwear this season, and I feel so lucky to be able to show you my favourite picks, for wherever you are heading off on an adventure this summer…

Our world has always been filled with stories and adventures. When we decided we wanted to extend our family beyond each other and the cats, we knew we were setting out on our greatest adventure to date. Our decision to become parents was made when we were hiking in the Black Forest in Germany, and we realised together that we couldn’t avoid the longing to share our adventures with our hypothetical children any longer. Our hike that day started out as a stroll, yet we ended up walking for hours and coming back with the grandest of plans. Our lack of preparation and casual approach to life didn’t worry us at all, we would figure out parenting just as we did with the rest of our lives, off the cuff and with a big step in to the unknown. We knew we would find our feet eventually, just as we always have.

On Saturday the 27th May 2017 I saw two pink lines. After seeing months of negative tests, and having had a miscarriage 9 months earlier I had never been happier. The one morning I do the test without Phil in the house it comes back positive.

To say I was over the moon doesn’t cover it. I rang Phil straight away to ask him if he wanted the good news or the bad news. Of course he said the bad. “We are going to need a bigger flat”.  All I heard next was rambling “Are you pregnant?” “That’s amazing“. I knew our lives would be forever changed.

{This post has been created in gifted collaboration with Sophie Allport; all items photographed have been gifted to me for “National Picnic Week”.  All photos are linked so that you can shop the items if you wish.  This is not a paid collaboration and all opinions and writing are my own.}

Growing up near the beach has always meant that I long to be on one whenever I can.  I love the countryside, I really do, but the sea has my heart, and it’s another reason why I wanted to go back to the North Norfolk Coast for another break.  I just wanted to feel the sand between my toes and spend a day (or two) enjoying those endless views out to sea.